As every teacher knows, no two students are the same. That means different students may need different techniques and materials to learn about the same topic. Modified social studies lessons can help with this.
While we need to find a way to differentiate instruction for all levels of learning, it can be a relief to know that modified social studies lessons are available, especially when juggling an already packed schedule.
This blog post discusses the benefits of using modified Grade 6 social studies lessons and provides ready-to-go resources teachers can easily implement in the classroom.
The Benefits of Using Modified Grade 6 Social Studies Lessons
Modified social studies lessons, like this Modified Grade 6 Social Studies Bundle, are a fantastic way to meet the needs of students at different learning levels. They are particularly valuable for instructing learners working below grade level and can also be an excellent resource for students struggling to comprehend specific lessons.
Each modified 2 Peas and a Dog unit is created based on the regular unit for each grade level, such as this Grade 6 Ontario Social Studies Bundle.
It’s essential that all learners feel included in the classroom, which is why these modified lessons include as many similar activities as possible. This way, modified learners can work on material similar to their peers but at a more accessible level.
Clarifying Tough Concepts
These modified Grade 6 social studies lessons do not only need to be for students working below grade level. They can also help supplement regular lessons for all students, especially when learning new and complex concepts.
Since students learn differently, selecting a lesson or activity from a modified unit is one way to reinforce the new material. It may also help students understand a concept in a new way, strengthening their comprehension.
Modified units use more straightforward language and abundant visuals, presenting only key concepts of the material. This can be valuable for all learners who are struggling with a new topic, as they can start with the basics and build their base of understanding from there.
Creating a Cohesive Classroom
Using modified Grade 6 social studies lessons can help you create a more cohesive classroom while applying a differentiated learning framework. Modified 2 Peas and a Dog lessons match regular lessons as much as possible, helping to create a classroom community as students can work together on the same topic with individually-appropriate material.
This approach, which combines regular lessons with modified lessons, helps create a unified classroom where all students can work at their own level. It will also help build confidence in learners using modified social studies lessons.
It will also make it easier for teachers to bring regular and modified learners together for some activities, allowing everyone to feel valued in the classroom.
Digital escape rooms are another perfect activity to bring all learners together in your classroom, especially when they complement your teaching lessons. In a digital escape room, students work individually or in teams to solve puzzles while learning about a relevant topic. Upon completion, they can feel a sense of accomplishment.
This Canada-Themed Digital Escape Room provides students with the opportunity to work independently or with their peers to solve 10 Canada-themed challenges. Students must solve these required challenges to “escape” from the train that they have accidentally gotten locked in. This Canada-Themed Digital Escape Room is available on Shopify CAD or Teachers Pay Teachers USD.
The Prime Ministers of Canada Digital Escape Room allows students to work independently or with their peers to solve 11 challenges related to Canadian Prime Ministers. Students must solve the required challenges to “escape” the museum room they accidentally got locked in.
To solve each challenge, participants will use their reading and listening comprehension skills, as well as their knowledge of Canada. This Prime Ministers of Canada Digital Escape Room is available on Shopify CAD or Teachers Pay Teachers USD.
You can find all 2 Peas and a Dog digital escape rooms on Shopify CAD or Teachers Pay Teachers USD.
You can also use free Grade 6 Long Range Plans to help develop your plans for the school year.
Modified Grade 6 Social Studies Bundle
This Modified Grade 6 Social Studies Bundle provides all the lessons you will need for a full year of tailored instruction in your classroom. It pairs well with the regular unit, the Grade 6 Ontario Social Studies Bundle.
In the modified bundle, teachers will receive 34 engaging lessons that will help teach Grade 6 students about Canadian communities and Canada’s interactions with the global community. Each lesson aligns with a critical concept in the Ontario Grade 6 Social Studies Curriculum but significantly reduces reading and writing expectations.
This resource is designed to meet the needs of ELL students and/or students with modified IEPs. It includes an audio file of each student reading.
This Modified Grade 6 Social Studies Bundle includes:
- 34 Detailed Lesson Plans: These lessons will keep students engaged throughout the unit.
- Modified Lesson Content: Lessons have been modified with reduced reading and writing expectations.
- MP3 Audio Files of Articles: Use the provided audio recordings of the student readings.
- Answer Keys: Streamline your grading process with readily available answer keys.
- Lesson Variety: Student activities utilize a variety of formats – cut & match, fill in the blanks, guided inquiry, assignments, graphic organizers
- Self-Marking Google Forms: Streamline your assessment process by automating your marking.
- Print and Digital Formats: Access materials in both print and digital formats.
Curriculum Alignment:
- Ontario Social Studies Curriculum 2023 Grade 6 Strand A and B
Grade 6 Social Studies Lesson Overview & Modifications
Strand A
1. Building Vocabulary & Map Creation (Reading + Map Creation)
2. What Shapes Our Canadian Identity? (Reading + Cut & Match Activity)
3. Canadian Identity: Fundamentals (Reading + Cut & Match Activity)
4. Canadian Identity: Indigenous Peoples (Reading + Fill in the Blanks Activity)
5. Canadian Identity: Settler Communities (Reading + Cut & Match Activity)
6. Canadian Identity: Inclusiveness (Reading + Cut & Match Activity)
7. Historical Perspectives: Communities Inquiry (Guided Inquiry Activities)
8. Traditional Territories (Graphic Organizer)
9. Migration Reasons (Reading + Cut & Match and Fill in the Blanks Activities)
10. Settler Life in Canada (Reading + Interactive Notes)
11. Economic Development (Reading + Fill in the Blanks Activities and Cut & Match)
12. Creation of Nunavut, Nunavik, and Nunatsiavut (Reading + Fill in the Blank)
13A. Community Developments (Reading + Primary Source Analysis)
13B. Community Developments (Reading + Timeline Activity)
14. Interactions Between Settler Communities (Reading + Graphic Organizer)
15. Differences Between Communities (Reading + True/False Questions)
16. How Did We Get Here Assignment? (Guided Slideshow Creation)
Strand B
1. Introduction: Key Vocabulary (QR Code Vocabulary)
2. Canadian Government and Global Interactions (Reading + Cut & Match Activity)
3A. International Accords and Organizations (Video + Cut & Match Activity)
3B. International Accords and Organizations (Video + Quiz)
3C. International Accords and Organizations (Video + Fill in the Blanks Activity)
4. Canada’s Role in International Programs (Reading + Sorting Activity)
5. Canada’s Role in International Non-Government Organizations (Reading + Quiz)
6. Canada’s Crisis Response: H1N1 and Ebola (Reading + Cut & Match Activity)
7A. Canada’s Role in International Peace (Guided Inquiry Activities)
7B. Canada’s Role in International Peace (Timeline Activity & Videos)
8. Canada’s Global Relationships (Reading, Graphic Organizer & Map Activity)
9. Canada’s Trading Partners (Tally Activity, Reading and Multiple Choice)
10. Canada’s Economy (Reading, Multiple Choice and Cut & Match)
11. Environmental Issues: Overfishing (Reading + Cut & Match)
12A. Environmental Issues: Invasive Species (Reading, True/False Questions & Folding Notes)
12B. Environmental Issues: Canada’s Impact (Reading & Newspaper Article)
13. Plastics in the Ocean Inquiry (Guided Inquiry)
Do you have students working at grade level?
Check out this comprehensive Grade 6 Social Studies Bundle for the Ontario Curriculum, which is available on Shopify CAD or Teachers Pay Teachers USD.
Sub Plans
Are you looking for something to make those sub days easier? Here are some lessons your students are sure to love:
- All About Canada: Canadian Alphabet Activity
- Canadian History Sub Plans – Parliament Hill
- Canadian History Sub Plans – The Avro Arrow
- Canadian History Sub Plans – Significant Moments
- Canadian History Sub Plans – Parliament Hill Cat Colony
You can also use this Canadian History Sub Plans Bundle, which features six different sub plan activities and topics, available on Shopify CAD or Teachers Pay Teachers USD.
Or, you can use these Middle School Geography Sub Plans that introduce students to solar panels through a multimedia lesson that includes videos, a non-fiction article, and a podcast episode. You can find the Middle School Geography Sub Plans on Shopify CAD or Teachers Pay Teachers USD.
Grade 6 Social Studies Report Card Comments
Use these 100% editable report card comments for the 2023 Ontario Social Studies Curriculum and include comments for Strands A & B. The comments are sorted by Levels 1 – 4, strengths, and next steps.
These comments are:
- 100% Editable
- Google Docs™ Format
- Comment Bank
- Next Steps
- Strands A & B
- Ontario Curriculum Aligned
You can find the Grade 6 Social Studies Report Card Comments on Shopify CAD or Teachers Pay Teachers USD.
Additional Resources:
- 14 Ways To Make Geography Class Fun
- 21 Ways to Make Social Studies Class Exciting
- 13 Ways To Make History Class Engaging For Students
- Easy and Engaging Canadian History Sub Plans For Middle School Students
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